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The Big Anxiety: What not to miss

Check our our top picks from The Big Anxiety event program, 2017.

The Big Anxiety 2017 will be held in Sydney from September 20 - November 11

The Big Anxiety

The Big Anxiety 2017 - the world's mental health and arts festival - is set to take over the streets of Sydney today until the 11th of November. Their jam-packed program will bring together arts, science and people as they attempt to start an open conversation surrounding the effects of mental health on our society. With so many events on offer, we’ve done the hard work for you. Keep reading for our top event picks from The Big Anxiety program.

This fascinating social experiment gives participants a chance to have a one-on-one conversation with no demands and no expectations. From artists and academics, to people who are living with mental illness, there’s a range of people on the program from all walks of life. Check out the program to find out more about each person, and who you might like to chat with. Awkward Conversations is running from September 24 – 27 at Customs House in Sydney.

216 Westbound is a video from Shona Illingworth that explores the physical and psychological effect of a terrorist attack at several levels. From embodied experience to media reporting and the machinery of State control, the video takes viewers on a journey with John Tulloch, an Australian survivor of the 7/7 London bombings who is living with PTSD. Catch this short film on September 18 at UNSW.

Professor Peter Kinderman, the outgoing President of the British Psychological Society, will present this lecture about the social causes of mental health problems. Scheduled to be held on World Mental Health Day, Kinderman will challenge the idea that mental illnesses are biological and should be treated like any other medical disease. The lecture is sure to challenge your views on mental health in society. The event will be held at The Ethics Centre on October 10.

This immersive installation will confront you with the reality of what climate change means for our way of life. Steering away from the hard, cold facts, the exhibition will explore the emotional, physical and spiritual levels of how we as a community are preparing to deal with impending catastrophes that are linked to climate change. Advertised as both confronting and comforting, this topical event isn’t one to miss. It is ongoing from October 12-21 at The Crescent in Parramatta Park.

This event comprises of three virtual reality projects that will take participants on a journey that exhibit the power of technology. Virtual reality will be used to showcase how technology can be used as a tool to develop empathy, manipulate mood and reduce pain and anxiety. You can check out this fascinating (and very cool) event from October 12-21 at the Riverside Theatres Courtyard.

While much of the program is low cost or free, The Big Anxiety recommends booking tickets to make sure you don’t miss out. Visit their website to see the full program and find events near you.